If a racer who doesn't belong to our club (and perhaps had to drive a long way) was to consider coming for our August 9th race meeting, he / she would probably want to race against a large field--or look to race somewhere else.

With less than two weeks until our next race, only 11 racers have registered. If I lived in Tennessee, Alabama, the Carolinas or South Georgia, I probably wouldn't come to Barnesville to race in a class with one or two other karters.

But the funny thing is I'm reasonably sure we'll have 50+, maybe even closer to 65-70. We regularly have 8-10 Rotax senior guys; the TAG class as well as the Clone class has experienced considerable growth as well. But you wouldn't know it unless you checked the registration list a DAY OR TWO before a race. By then it may be too late to entice distant racers.

Cases in point: Seth Blackburn. This is a guy who lives pretty far from any track--in western N. Carolina. He considers Lowes his home track but he has traveled to Florida at least twice to race. Only been to B'ville once. There's likely a few more racers like him. The Bakers Creek club only has 8 or 9 race dates. I would think some of those guys would want to race at least 2-3 more times a year.

If we can demonstrate that we will have great participation more than 2-3 weeks ahead of a given race date, I think we would be able to attract a handful of racers who otherwise might not come because of the low (apparent) interest. In short, we should give a more accurate perception of the health of our club by registering early.

I'm not saying someone should register who has no intention of coming--we shouldn't misrepresent ourselves--but if you are reasonably certain that you will be racing, by all means officially sign up. There is no penalty. You actually save $5._________________Tonykart EVRR / Adkins Yamaha

In addition, by registering it shows you intend to race, but by no means does it commit you to race or to pay. This process is to help us register and streamline the process. Again, by registering it does not commit you financially. So do not hesitate to register if you think you will be racing.

And BTW, not sure if Patrick told you, but I bought 30 lbs of lead, and will be racing in Masters soon. I'll probably go ahead and race seniors on the 9th (since it's an RMAX Challenge race, and I want to protect my 22nd place national ranking ha ha), but after that I'm going Masters. I'll be trying the paradoxical exercise of attempting to get faster by adding weight. I'm adding the weight to front of my seat. I also started NOT starving myself, and have gained five additional pounds. I'm now at the magical 43/57--so I should have more front grip at the exit of the Monza._________________Tonykart EVRR / Adkins Yamaha